Bachata is a type of Latin dance created to accompany a style of music with the same name. It is a sensual dance in four beats, accompanied by romantic guitar music. By combining the basic step with pivots, turns and spins, dancers create a beautiful performance with this Latin dance.
Origin
Bachata music emerged in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. It was considered romantic guitar music, separate from music intended for dancing. It came to be classified as dance music when musicians sped up the rhythm and dancers developed new steps.
Music
Instruments used include guitar, bass guitar, maracas and bongos. The music is in four beats, with a slight accent on the fourth beat.
Basic Step
The basic step was traditionally done as a front to back motion. In modern Bachata, it is more often done side to side. It consists of three steps and a pop or tap. The three steps generate a natural swaying motion of the hip, with the pop or tap being a deliberate hip movement.
Half Pivot
A half pivot is a three-step turn with a touch on the fourth count. As the dancers take the three steps, they will alternate position. If the woman was dancing on the left of her partner, she would be on the right after completion of the turn.
Turns and Spins
During the inside turn, the woman turns toward her partner under his arm, then comes back to the original position. In a free spin, the partners turn in the same direction and do not hold hands. Both turns are done using the three-step-and-touch basic movement.
Fun Fact
The original term for Bachata music was amargue, which meant bitter music. This was because Bachata songs frequently dealt with heartbreak and sadness.
